16 THRIVE Edition 2 The Golden Circle Alumnus award is the oldest award category dating back to 1988. It is presented to alumni who are considered by their peers as remarkable achievers and contributors to the tourism and hospitality at large. As the Chief Executive Officer of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, fits the bill, especially considering his recent work and contribution in helping to steer the sector forward amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Tshivhengwa now joins a formidable group of industry leaders who have all built illustrious careers in the sector locally and internationally. The theme for the event ‘inspiring confidence’, spoke to the sense of optimism for the sector, as the world cautiously moves to relax lockdown restrictions and resume domestic and international travel. Guest speaker, futurist, and expert on the future of work, Graeme Codrington, highlighted the need for a change in mindset and stressed the importance of adaptability ahead of more disruptions in the future. Collaboration was a key talking point that started with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that took place earlier in the day for the rebranded Sun International Auditorium, located at the Kerzner Building of the UJ Bunting Road campus. The importance of collaboration was further emphasised in the remarks made by Prof Boitumelo Diale, President of the UJ Convocation, who urged alumni to continue to pay it forward by getting involved with the initiatives of the university – in particular, the fundraising efforts aimed at assisting students to clear their historical debt. To watch the full recording of the event, visit the STH Facebook page on @sthatuj or click below.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjU1NDYx